Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I am a daughter of God. {Free downloads}

I know I don't take the time very often to share some of my inner thoughts with you, but today WILL be one of those days!:)

I feel so blessed to be able to teach girls ages 14-18 each week on Sunday as part of my responsibilities at church. I have such a love for this age group as I remember being that age not THAT long ago...(okay, at least it doesn't FEEL like that long ago!) I remember the inner struggles trying to figure out who I was in the midst of hearing so many things from people. To be quite honest I felt alone a lot. Except when I prayed. I never felt alone. As I figured out little by little WHO I WAS and found my place doing what I loved to do I gained a lot of confidence and knowledge. I served an 18 month mission for my church in Alberta, Canada and constantly teaching and serving other people helped me come to some great realizations.

The knowledge that I AM A DAUGHTER OF GOD and truly knowing what that means changed me. I remember my parents teaching me this, I remember having lessons in church growing up and being taught this same thing. Being out on my own and solidifying that knowledge has helped me in so many situations. And so when I go into lessons on Sunday, both now as a parent and someone who has felt the uncertainties and the pull that comes from other sources, I go in with hope for the future of our world, with faith that truth touches our hearts and with love for a loving Heavenly Father who truly sees each of us as His child and HOW THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

So this week the lesson I taught was all about understanding our own worth. Understanding that the Lord truly cares and loves each of us as His daughters and sons. I made each of them a little medallion to wear (and maybe put somewhere to see each day). I used a phone book for the middle part on purpose. First of all, who uses a phone book anymore?! I get 3 a year on my door step and haven't looked at one in 10 years!..I guess that is the power of the Internet and cell phones!:) So first, I have a LOT of paper I can use, but the real reason I used a phone book was the idea that you can look through the phone book and see hundreds of thousands of names and numbers..and that can feel a bit overwhelming when you think how many people are not only in your area, but then multiply that by the rest of the world..and in all that..the knowledge that we are individually known and loved as a child of the most powerful being in the universe is AMAZING.

The knowledge that He knows and loves each of us is the most comforting thing in the world..and that THAT knowledge can propel us to do great and mighty things.

I thought I'd share this quick project with you, in case you come along a time when you can use it as well! Simply download and print these files..cut them out. Make the middle piece by cutting out paper (whatever kind you would like to use) and accordion fold it. Glue end to end together and lay flat. Glue the circles on either side (I added a little glue and glitter to the "I am a daughter of God" side) and add a piece of material as the necklace part. Super simple and easy..and quick to make a lot!:)